New Roundabout Construction

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A busy Rockford intersection is about to see a face lift over the next few months. A new roundabout is being built at the intersection of Auburn and North Main. A public information meeting was held Thursday night to discuss the progress of the project.

After years in the planning, city engineers say initial work on the surrounding area is moving along as anticipated and the city should have all the needed property acquired by the end of the month. This includes the relocation of several citizens and demolition of those structures. Other utility work such as electric and sewer relocation are in the process of being completed as well.

The city will be advertising for bids on the actual construction over the next few weeks in hopes of accepting a bid by early March with construction getting into full swing by early April.

"It's going to be a little noisy, it's going to be a little dusty, and it's going to be a little inconvenient. But, we want to be done and have this open in October of this same year so we want to do it one time and we want to do it right." Rockford Head of Engineering Matt Vitner said.

Despite years in the works, total cost of the project is still expected to be in the range 7 to 7.5 million dollars. That amount is well within the budget.

The new roundabout will be two lanes and capable of handling semis. Two lane roundabouts can be more confusing at first and city engineers recommend watching their animation on how the traffic will flow at http://www.rockfordil.gov/public-works/projects/north-main-st-auburn-st-roundabout.aspx.

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